Line guiding device for hanging applications, particularly as a service loop for a drilling rig

ABSTRACT

A line routing device for guiding a plurality of lines, such as cables, hoses, or the like, particularly for hanging applications, such as supplying a vertically traveling power head of a drill. The line routing device has a flexible carrying strand and a plurality of guide bodies arranged one behind the other in the longitudinal direction of the carrying strand. According to the invention, adjacent guide bodies can be deflected spatially toward each other and each guide body has a central part having a center axis, which extends coaxially to the carrying strand, and an outer part having at least one circumferential element. The outer part delimits a receiving region, which is open in the axial direction, for the lines, radially to the outside.

FIELD

The invention generally concerns an apparatus for routing a plurality ofsupply lines like for example cables, hoses or the like, hereinafterreferred to as a line routing apparatus, in particular for hangingapplications, in which the line routing apparatus is arranged with twohanging portions and a loop therebetween.

BACKGROUND

The invention concerns in particular but not exclusively a line routingapparatus which is suitable as a so-called “service loop”, for examplefor a drilling rig. Service loops are line bundles which are used forsupplying a generally vertically moveable consumer, for example therotary power head, referred to as the top drive, of a drilling rig andform a loop between two freely hanging portions to afford freedom ofmovement.

Such a service loop is described for example in EP 2105575 B1 and isshown in attached FIG. 4 (state of the art) with reference numeral 6 aspart of a derrick 1. In that arrangement hoses 5 and cables supply thetop drive 3 with energy electrically, hydraulically and/or pneumaticallyand possibly also transmit measurement and control signals by way ofelectrical and/or optical lines (not shown). The top drive 3 is suppliedby the service loop 6 and displaced vertically with a lifting device 2.EP 2105575 B1, for developing a service loop, proposes a structurallycomplicated device which is intended to prevent the supply linesbecoming entangled with each other when the top drive 3 moves up anddown.

In conventional service loops a plurality of lines are carried in acondition of being combined by a reinforced rubber hose of largediameter. Typically, the hose is then filled with casting material asdescribed for example in U.S. Pat. No. 7,966,724 B2 in order to supportthe lines against the inside of the outer hose. That structure makessubsequent repair and maintenance, like for example replacement of aline, considerably more difficult. In order to reduce the downtime, theentire hose assembly with all lines is replaced, even if for exampleonly one line is defective. Another disadvantage, in particular indrilling rigs, is the relatively large minimum radius of the loop causedinter alia by the large outside diameter.

As a further development U.S. Pat. No. 9,449,737 B2 proposes a structureof smaller diameter. Proposed therein is a special inner plastic casingas well as a particular shielding, which both have a high load-carryingcapacity in order to be able to avoid having the load-bearing outerhose.

In contrast EP 2986869 B1 discloses a different kind of line routingapparatus which is suitable in particular for supplying a drilling headin offshore drilling rigs. That line routing apparatus has two flexibleload strands of high tensile strength, which extend over the length ofthe line routing apparatus and to which a multiplicity of routing bodiesare fixed, arranged in succession in the longitudinal direction of theload strands. That chain-like line routing apparatus is suitable forvery high tensile forces, for example hanging uses of up to 200 metresin length as in deep drilling equipment or the like and is inter aliasalt water-resistant. The configuration disclosed in EP 2986869 B1permits very great lengths and affords good protection, that is to say along service life for the lines, in particular when being winched up anddown, but is less suitable for use as a service loop, inter alia becauseof the structural space required which for example is generally notavailable in the interior in the derrick.

SUMMARY

In comparison with the foregoing state of the art a first object of theinvention is to design a line routing apparatus in such a way that thefinished manufacture including assembly with the desired lines issimplified, in particular even in the case of a long overall length. Inaddition, the invention seeks to provide that the new line routingapparatus affords good protection, avoids entanglement of a plurality oflines and nonetheless is of a compact and comparatively light structure.

According to a further aspect, subsequent maintenance operations, inparticular the replacement of individual lines, is to be facilitated.Furthermore, in comparison with conventional service loops a smallerminimum radius in the direction-changing region or the loop between twolongitudinal portions is desirable.

The proposed line routing apparatus has a flexible carrying strand ofhigh tensile strength, which extends over the length of the line routingapparatus and a number of guide bodies are arranged in succession orconsecutively along the longitudinal direction of the apparatus.

According to a core concept of the invention, to attain the firstobject, it is proposed that adjacent guide bodies can be respectivelydeflected spatially relative to each other (that is to say they arerespectively pivotable relative to each other about at least two axes)and each guide body includes a central part having a central axis whichextends coaxially with respect to the carrying strand and an outer partwith at least one peripheral element. In that case the peripheralelement is held to the central part and radially outwardly delimits areceiving region which is open in the axial direction for one or morelines or appropriately defines said receiving region. Preferably but notnecessarily each central part can be provided with an axial throughopening which forms a central axis and through which the carrying strandextends.

The carrying strand carries a substantial part of the weight andrelieves the load of tensile forces on the lines, similarly to theinternal core of a cable. The carrying strand is so flexible that itdoes not adversely affect deflection of the guide bodies relative toeach other. The guide bodies hold the lines in the receiving region,that is to say relative to the central part, and thus fixedly at leastin the radial direction relative to the carrying strand. This avoidsentanglement and the need for a load-bearing outer hose. By suitabledimensioning of the outer part the lines are held relatively play-free,which would require casting material in known service loops. With asuitable configuration the guide bodies also permit the replacement ofindividual lines.

Tensile stress relief for the lines is mostly advantageous. For thatpurpose, for example respective end tensile strain relief means of asuitable structure, for example so-called tensile strain relief socks,can be provided on both sides of the line routing apparatus, possiblywithout tensile strain relief in respect of the lines within the linerouting apparatus. Alternatively, or in addition tensile strain reliefmeans can also be provided within the line routing apparatus at a numberof locations in its longitudinal direction, this however reduces themobility of the lines. For tensile strain relief within the line routingapparatus for example the peripheral elements at the respectivelocations can be fixedly tied together and held in tensilestrain-resistant fashion at the respective central part or carryingstrand.

The invention affords particular advantages where relatively heavy linebundles have to be arranged hanging substantially vertically over aconsiderable length. The present invention is therefore particularlysuitable for use in a land or onshore or sea or offshore drilling rig,in particular as a service loop, but is not restricted to those areas.Further applications of offshore operations are for example supplycables (umbilicals) between the platform and the supply ship or onshorepower supply for ships. The solution of the invention is alsoparticularly well suited for land-based applications, in particularhanging applications, for example in drilling or deep drilling systemsor in mining.

According to first aspects of the invention it can be provided that ineach guide body the outer part can be opened and/or it can be providedthat at least some guide bodies, in particular all guide bodies,respectively have at their central part a fixing device for fixing thecentral part in position to the carrying strand at least in the axialdirection, in particular in force-locking relationship and/or positivelylocking relationship.

Openable outer parts can be provided in particular by at least oneperipheral element being respectively connected moveably or pivotably tothe central part. Alternatively or in addition, at least one peripheralelement can be fitted releasably from the guide body, for example by ascrew connection, a plug-in connection or the like, preferably by adropsafe fastening.

Particularly in the case of drilling rigs like land or onshore or sea oroffshore drilling rigs basically all releasable elements of a guide bodyshould be dropsafe, in particular secured to the guide body at leastdoubly secured, for example by screwing with pin securing or similarsecure screwing structures. Accordingly, the central parts are eachfixed in position, preferably in dropsafe fashion, at any event to thecarrying strand in the axial direction so that in the event of breakageof the carrying strand the guide bodies cannot drop down. Openable outerparts, for example with pivotable peripheral elements, permit lateralaccess to the receiving region and thus facilitate manufacture andmaintenance as lines can be laterally inserted and removed, that is tosay they do not have to be “threaded in” or passed through in the axialdirection, as for example into the carrying hose of conventional serviceloops. The peripheral elements can be for example flexible or can bepivoted open by a distinct hinge. In that case fixing to the carryingstrand fixes the position in the axial direction, wherein that ispossibly required only in portion-wise manner, for example if the guidebodies bear axially against each other. In that arrangement pivotableperipheral elements can be in particular captively held to the guidebody so that subsequent maintenance is simplified and parts are reliablyprevented from dropping off.

In a further aspect of the invention, it can be provided that at leastsome and in particular all guide bodies at their at least one peripheralelement have on the outside an elastic buffer for shock absorption, inparticular in relation to the radial shocks. The buffer preferablyextends in the peripheral direction around the central axis, preferablyover the entire periphery. The buffers damp lateral impact of the guidebodies in a horizontal swinging movement caused by the vertical movementoccurring in operation. In addition, the buffers can at the same timealso act as an angular abutment between the individual guide bodies inorder to limit the relative deflection thereof relative to each otherwith a damping action. Thus, with a good protective effect in spite ofbeing of a simple structure this at the same time permits the loop to beof a small radius. The radius can be selected to be of virtually anyvalue by dimensioning of the peripheral elements and buffers on the onehand and the axial spacing between successive peripheral elements on theother hand, but should not be below the smallest permissible minimumradius of the lines.

The number or plurality of guide bodies is so selected that they areprovided along by far the predominant length of the carrying strand, butthe ends thereof are exposed. The guide bodies can follow each other inparticular directly or without spaces therebetween, or however they canbe arranged with intermediate spaces. The guide bodies are preferablynot braced relative to each other but are fixed to the carrying strandwithout prestressing or with play for moving around. In a preferredembodiment the central part as its fixing device has a clamping and/orlocking device in order to secure the carrying strand in force-lockingrelationship at an internal surface of the through opening in thecentral part. That allows inter alia simplified manufacture.

In principle all suitable approaches can be considered as the fixingdevice, which do not adversely stress the carrying strand.

Particularly if each central part is provided with an axial throughopening through which the carrying strand extends the arrangement canhave for example a screw clamping device with a clamping screw. That canbe in particular in the form of a clamping clip, in particular a hingedclamping clip with a hinge-like joint. In that case there are preferablytwo shell-shaped regions on the central part. They can be connected bythe hinge so that a clamping screw is required only at one side. With aclamping screw which is opposite to the hinge and which can brace theshell-shaped regions relative to each other then in that way securefixing can be effected similarly as in the case of a clamping clip.

Alternatively, it is also possible to provide a quick-release clamp, alatching clamp or similar device which at least partially reduces thefree diameter of the through opening or fixes, for example clamps fast,the central part to the carrying strand, in force-locking and/orpositively locking relationship.

Other kinds of fixing the guide bodies in position are also inaccordance with the invention. In a further embodiment the carryingstrand can be in the form of a link chain, for example a round linkchain, wherein each central part forms a kind of special chain link as aload-bearing component of the carrying strand. In that arrangement, forreducing the weight in relation to length, preferably two respectivesuccessive central parts can be spatially deflectably connected by oneor more actual chain links which are provided as intermediate members(without the outer part). The intermediate members can then be forexample conventional metal links of a round link chain which are linkedtogether with oppositely disposed holding eyes of the central parts.

In a further embodiment the carrying strand can be in the form of a“pearl necklace” with carrying bodies which have a fixed or stationaryposition seen in the longitudinal direction of the carrying strand andto which the central parts are fixed in force-locking relationship bymeans of a suitable respective fixing device.

Irrespective of the kind of fixing adopted the central parts arepreferably secured fixedly and non-rotatably, in particular intorsion-resistant fashion, to the carrying strand. That can be achievedparticularly easily by positively locking clamping to the carryingstrand.

In the state of being ready for operation the outer part preferablyforms a delimitation which is closed in the peripheral direction orwhich extends completely around the central axis of the guide body sothat all lines are held securely in the plane perpendicular to thecarrying strand in the respective receiving region. In a preferreddevelopment the outer part of each guide body has two peripheralelements which are respectively connected to the central part moveablyor pivotably by way of a rotary joint, a hinge joint, a hinge band orthe like, in order to insert the lines into and remove them from thereceiving region. The peripheral elements however can also be adapted tobe opened in a different fashion, for example can be removable. Thelatter is considered in particular when a service loop in the event ofline damage is replaced completely or as a packet with all lines andline replacement does not have to take place on the rig.

The peripheral elements are preferably in the form of half a ring. Inaddition, the peripheral elements can preferably be identical parts,that is to say both identical, to reduce the number of parts.

All of or the essential components of the central part and the outerpart, in particular the peripheral elements, can be made from plastic,in particular as injection mouldings.

The elastic buffer is preferably made from an elastomer, for examplefrom a synthetic rubber or the like, and for example can be in the formof a rubber buffer. The buffer is more elastic than the other componentsof the guide body. Preferably the buffer is of a ring-shaped or toroidalconfiguration. The buffer should embrace the predominant part of theperiphery. Particularly preferably the buffer surrounds the peripheralelement or elements over the full periphery, for example in the form ofa closed or closable ring. The buffer can at the same time representsecuring or closure of the moveable peripheral element or elements andfor example can serve as a holding ring which can be axially pushed on.The buffer can also be in the form of a cut-open ring which is closedtogether with the peripheral elements.

Preferably all guide bodies have a buffer, wherein each bufferpreferably projects axially with respect to the peripheral element orelements or lies axially flush with respect thereto so that the buffersof adjacent guide bodies butt against each other in order to limit themaximum angle of the spatial deflection of those guide bodies relativeto each other acting as abutments. Wear is reduced by buffers as thedeflection limiting arrangement and inter alia the generation of noiseis reduced. The buffers can be held for example by each peripheralelement at its outside having a holding groove which extends in theperipheral direction and into which the ring-shaped buffer engages inpositively locking relationship to provide the axial holding action orvice-versa.

In a preferred embodiment the carrying strand has at both ends arespective connecting device for releasably fixing the line routingapparatus to the installation to be supplied, for example to thedrilling rig. That facilitiates replacement of the line routingapparatus. When using a cable as the carrying strand all current cableend connectors or cable end connection devices can be considered, likefor example spliced or pressed eyes, pressed or spliced thimbles,pressed clamps or cast thread fittings or the like and so forth. In thecase of a link chain as the carrying strand all current releasable endconnections can also be considered, like shackles, hooks, screwconnections, clamps, eyes and so forth.

Particularly preferably provided at each connecting device is a fixingdevice for tensile strain relief on the lines, in particular by means ofso-called cable strain relief socks (referred to as meshed cablesupporting grips), preferably with a loop/thimble or holding eye. Forthat purpose each connecting device is preferably provided with at leasttwo horizontally opposite holding arms which are fixed to the connectingdevice in load-carrying relationship and to which the guided lines canbe fixed for tensile strain relief, for example by means of shackleswhich each releasably hold a meshed cable supporting grip. By virtue ofsuch a configuration complete replacement of the line routing apparatusincluding the lines is simplified as it is only necessary to release thetwo connecting devices.

The outer part can have precisely one peripheral element with a largeperiphery, in particular >300° angular extent. Preferably the outer parthowever is of a multi-part configuration with a plurality of peripheralelements. In cross-section the outer part can define an approximatelycircular shape, that is to say the peripheral elements can preferably bein the shape of a circular arc, wherein the outer part can be designedin particular with two respective semi-circular elements. Other shapes,for example a polygonal cross-section, are also possible.

The outer part should preferably provide a sufficient inside diameter ordiameter for the receiving region for receiving appropriate lines. Thediameter of the receiving region should be perceptibly greater than 100mm, in particular at least 125 mm, in order to be able to guide supplylines in the intended applications.

In an embodiment the central part can have two hinge regions whichproject axially relative to the peripheral elements and which are inaxially opposite relationship. In that arrangement the hing regions areof a conjugate configuration so that the one hinge region of a firstguide body can be releasably introduced in the axial direction into theconjugate other hinge region of an adjacent second guide body, that isto say the guide bodies can be fitted axially together. The axiallyreleasable configuration of the hinge regions considerably simplifiesassembly as the guide bodies only have to be fitted to the carryingstrand or the carrying strand only has to be passed through the centralparts and they can then be “plugged” one into the other. Accordinglysuch an optional hinged connection of successive guide bodies ispreferably loose in the axial direction, but at least can be released orplugged in easily axially.

Implementing tensile strength in the optional hinge connection betweenthe guide bodies, in particular the adjacent hinge regions, is inprinciple not required by virtue of of the carrying strand in hangingapplications. In a preferred development the hinge regions can form aball hinge-like hinge connection for spatial deflection of adjacentguide bodies. It is possible to achieve a push-in hinge connection witha part-spherical hinge head and an approximately hemispherical hingesocket and/or with a hinge head/socket which can be axially fittedtogether by expansion of the socket and/or squashing of the head. Inanother embodiment the guide bodies are fixed to the carrying strand inaxially mutually spaced relationship by means of their fixing devices,which reduces the amount of material involved and the weight.

The through opening in the central part can preferably have mutuallyopposite axial mouth regions which widen radially outwardly to reducewear of the central part and/or the carrying strand.

In a particularly preferred embodiment the central part of each guidebody has two one-part carrying arms which each have an inner clampingshell and a radial bar. In that arrangement the clamping shells can beconnected together to form therebetween the through opening for thecarrying strand, in particular as a clamping device. The central partcan substantially comprise those two carrying arms. The bars of thecarrying arms preferably have an outer end region to which the outerpart, in particular both peripheral elements, is or are connected. Thebars thus hold the peripheral element or elements and thereby secure thelines (radially) to the carrying strand, to which the clamping shellsare fixed. The or each peripheral element can possibly be integrallyconnected to the bars and for example can be flexibly pivoted open.Preferably each peripheral element as a separate part is connected tothe bars by way of a hinge.

In addition at its inside at the through opening the central part canhave a clamping tooth arrangement extending transversely relative to thecentral axis, for axial securing to the carrying strand.

The carrying strand can be in particular a carrying cable which has goodtensile strength, for example of high-strength plastic. In the presentcase tensile strength means that the carrying strand or the carryingcable has sufficient tensile strength to carry the total weight of theline routing apparatus including all lines, that is to say a notionalend weight which corresponds to the total weight of the line routingapparatus with all lines. The required static load-carrying capabilityof the carrying strand is dependent on the application involved, butshould typically be >>1000 kg.

A wire cable with individual cable wires is also considered as thecarrying strand, preferably with a nominal strength of the wire materialof >900 N/mm2. In addition or alternatively to cable wires of plasticcable wires of steel can also be considered, possibly with a core ofplastic. The carrying strand or the carrying cable should be aslow-stretch as possible. As an alternative to a carrying cable forexample it is also possible to use a link chain, for example comprisingsteel links, as the carrying strand.

Preferably however a carrying cable of high-strength plastic is used inconjunction with guide bodies which are at least predominantly made fromplastic. In that way it is possible to achieve a comparatively lowweight in relation to length of <40 kg/m for the line routing apparatusper se (without guided lines) even with a comparatively great receivingcapacity in respect of the guide bodies or a large inside diameter, forexample >>200 mm, and a corresponding load-carrying force. The noiseemission level is also markedly lower in comparison with link chains.

For intended applications, in particular in drilling rigs, the carryingstrand is preferably of a length of at least 5 m, in particular at least10 m. In that case the carrying strand is preferably completelycontinuous and has a higher level of tearing strength and tensilestrength than the guided lines.

In hanging applications the line routing apparatus has in particular afirst length portion which hangs down and which has a first endconnected to a consumer, a second length portion which hangs down andwhich has a second end connected to a supplying installation/machinecomponent, and a loop connecting the two downwardly hanging lengthportions. In that arrangement the downwardly hanging length portionsextend in a first approximation virtually vertically in a first regionstarting from the ends, strictly speaking mathematically, or, dependingon the respective horizontal spacing of the ends, along a cable curve orchain curve, that is to say a catenoid (referred to as a catenary) whichcorresponds to the function of the hyperbolic cosine (or cos h).

The carrying strand or the carrying cable extends in that case beyondboth ends, that is to say it extends over the desired total length ofthe line routing apparatus and projects at the end beyond the guidebodies in order to facilitate weight-carrying fixing of the carryingstrand or carrying cable.

As an independent aspect of the invention an individual guide body for aline routing apparatus according to one of the foregoing embodiments isalso claimed.

According to a core concept the guide body has a central part having anaxial through opening which forms a central axis and through which acarrying strand can be passed, and an outer part having at least oneperipheral element. The peripheral element delimits a receiving regionwhich is open in the axial direction for the lines outwardly and forthat purpose is held to the central part.

According to an aspect of the invention the peripheral element isconnected to the central part in such a way that it is moveable or canbe pivoted open.

According to another aspect of the invention provided on the centralpart is a fixing device for fixing the central part in position to acarrying strand.

According to a further aspect according to the invention provided on theperipheral element at the outside thereof is an elastic buffer for shockabsorption, for damping in particular in relation to radial shocksand/or acting as an abutment for the guide bodies against each other.

Advantageously the guide body can have one or more of the furtherfeatures described hereinbefore as advantageous in any combination withone of the foregoing aspects.

The invention also concerns a drilling rig having a top drive includinga hangingly arranged line routing apparatus according to one of theforegoing embodiments for supplying the top drive.

The line routing apparatus is suitable in particular for use in a landor offshore drilling rig as a replacement for a conventional serviceloop, in initial equipment or as a replacement. Depending on therespective demands involved there can additionally be provided a thinflexible protective casing without a carrying function, which howevershould be so designed that it can be opened.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further details, features and advantages of the invention will beapparent from the detailed description hereinafter of preferredembodiments by way of example with reference to the accompanyingdrawings. In the drawings:

FIGS. 1A-1B show a first embodiment of a line routing device in ahanging arrangement for supplying a vertically moveable consumer as aside view (FIG. 1A) and a perspective enlarged view of the lower regionor the direction-changing loop (FIG. 1B);

FIGS. 2A-2C show an axial section/longitudinal section (FIG. 2A) and aradial section/cross-section (FIG. 2B) and a perspective view (FIG. 2C)of a guide body of the line routing apparatus of FIGS. 1A-1B;

FIG. 3 shows a radial section/cross-section of a second embodiment of aguide body;

FIG. 4 shows as an example of application of the invention a drillingrig with a top drive which is supplied with a per se known service loop(state of the art) to be replaced by the line routing apparatus;

FIGS. 5A-5B show a preferred third embodiment of guide bodies in amodified configuration (FIG. 2A-2C);

FIG. 6 shows a further embodiment of a line routing apparatus whereinthe carrying strand is in the nature of a link chain;

FIG. 7 shows a further embodiment of a line routing apparatus whereinthe carrying strand has carrying bodies for positively locking fixing ofthe guide bodies;

FIG. 8 shows a diagrammatic cross-section through a connecting devicefor fixing an end of a carrying cable to a cable sleeve and holding armsfor tensile strain relief of the lines; and

FIG. 9 shows a line with a meshed cable supporting grip for tensilestress relief and fixing to a connecting device, for example as shown inFIG. 8.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1A-1B show a first example of a line routing apparatus 10according to the invention in a hanging arrangement with a firstvertical longitudinal portion 12A which has a first end 12C, and asecond vertical length portion 12B having a second end 12D. The firstend 12C is connected to a machine component M which in this exampletravels vertically up and down, for example a top drive 3 (see FIG. 4)of a derrick. The second length portion 12B in turn is fixed with itsend 12D to a frame structure or stationary machine part F. A loop 13forms a direction-changing region which connects the two substantiallyvertically hanging length portions 12A, 12B.

The line routing apparatus 10 has a flexible carrying cable 11 ofhigh-strength plastic fibres, for example of high-modulus polyethyleneor high-modulus polyamide, which as the carrying strand carries theweight load of the line routing apparatus 10. For that purpose, the freeend regions 11A, 11B, which project at both sides, of the carrying cable11 is suitably fixed to the moveable machine part M and the stationarymachine part F (diagrammatically shown in FIG. 1A). As a secondessential component the line routing apparatus 10 has a plurality ofannularly closed guide bodies 14 which occur in succession in thelongitudinal direction of the carrying strand 11 (FIG. 1B). The guidebodies 14 are arranged in a row on the carrying cable 11 and are carriedand held thereby. The carrying cable 11 thereby carries at least theentire weight of all guide bodies 14.

As FIG. 1B shows the loop 13 between the length portions 12A, 12B formsa relatively small radius, that is to say the length portions 12A, 12Bcan extend at a slight horizontal spacing relative to each other. Thesmall radius is possible inter alia by virtue of the fact that adjacentguide bodies 14 can be strongly angled relative to each other. The guidebodies 14 are each moveable spatially relative to each other, as shownin FIG. 1B. The spacing between the length portions 12A, 12B however canalso be markedly greater depending on the respective application andthey do not have to hang down vertically. Depending on the respectiveapplication the line routing apparatus 10 can for example also extendsimilarly to a hanging bridge.

FIGS. 2A-2B show a first embodiment of a guide body 14 for the linerouting apparatus 10. Each guide body 14 has inwardly a central part 15Ahaving a central axis A and a through opening 16 coaxial therewith inorder to pass the carrying strand 11 (FIG. 1A) therethrough andexternally an outer part 15B having two peripheral elements 17 which arein the shape of a circular arc, here with an arc length of about160-180°, in order to hold the lines. Each peripheral element 17radially outwardly delimits a receiving region L which is open in theaxial direction for the lines (not shown).

The central part 15 includes a fixing device 18 for fixing the guidebody 14 axially in position to the carrying cable 11. In FIGS. 2A-2Bthis is in the form of a screw clamping device 18 in the manner of ahinged clamping shell or cable clamp. For that purpose, the central part15A has two one-piece carrying arms 20A, 20B which are integrallyproduced from plastic and which each have an inner clamping shell 21A,21B. By virtue of their conjugate configuration the clamping shells 21A,21B form at one side a hinge-like joint 24 (see FIG. 3) which pivotablyconnects the clamping shells 21A, 21B. At the opposite side the clampingshells 21A, 21B have screw openings for a clamping screw 25 to brace theU-shaped clamping shells 21A, 21B against each other. Alternatively,quick-release clamping devices or the like can also be considered. Theclamping shells 21A, 21B further form centrally two approximately semicylindrical inside surfaces of the through opening 16. By tightening ofthe clamping shells 21A, 21B the central part 15A, that is to say theguide body 14, is fixed to the carrying cable 11 for the inside surfaceof the through opening 16 is fixed in force-locking relationship to thecarrying strand 11. A clamping tooth arrangement 28 extendingtransversely relative to the central axis A is provided at the insidesurfaces of the two clamping shells 21A, 21B for giving a better axialsecuring action.

As FIG. 2B shows each carrying arm 20A, 20B includes integrally with therespective clamping shell 21A, 21B a radial bar 22A, 22B, to the outerend region of which the outer part 15B that is to say the two peripheralelements 17, are connected flexibly, here by a rotary hinge. In that waythe two peripheral elements 17 are respectively connected to the one bar22A of the central part 15A pivotably by way of an associated rotaryjoint 23, for example a hinge, pivotably between the closed position inFIG. 2B and an open position (not shown). In that way insertion orremoval of lines into or from one of the receiving regions L isfacilitated. The peripheral elements 17 are here identical parts and arein the form of a half ring, produced for example from plastic parts ormetal sheet. The peripheral elements 17 form releasable eyes for thehinge 23, which similarly as in the case of pipe clamps, are rotatablymounted on a mounting pin or spindle on the one bar 22A. At the oppositeend the peripheral elements 17 and the other bar 22B have screw openingspassing therethrough for a securing screw 29 with a securing nut or thelike. In that way the peripheral elements 17 are fixed to the other bar22B in the closed position (FIG. 2B). The inside diameter of thereceiving regions L defined in that way, measured radially between theperipheral elements 17, is in the region of approximately at least 150mm to 300 mm, or greater. The receiving capacity is predetermined bysuitable dimensioning of the peripheral elements 17 and optionally thebars 22A, 22B.

FIG. 2A further shows two central axially projecting hinge regions 26A,26B of the central part 15A. They serve for a defined low-wear relativemovement of adjacent guide bodies 14 without transverse shifts relativeto each other out of the extended position in the length portions 12A,12B into the complete angled position at the apex of the loop 13(downward in FIG. 1B) and back. For that purpose, each central part 15Ahas two hinge regions 26A, 26B in opposite relationship at the ends,coaxially with the central axis 16. The opposite hinge regions 26A, 26Bare of such a conjugate or paired configuration that the one hingeregion 16A can be axially inserted releasably coaxially into therespective conjugate other hinge region 26B of an adjacent hinge bodywith the application of a slight force or no force, in particularwithout needing a tool. The hinge regions 26A, 26B can form a balljoint-like hinge connection for spatial deflection of adjacent guidebodies 14 about any two axes. For that purpose, the one hinge region 26Ais in the form of a joint head 27A with the outer surface of a ball ring(see FIG. 2C) (part spherical) and the corresponding conjugate hingeregion 26B is in the form of a joint socket 27B with an approximatelyhemispherical inside surface (see FIG. 2A).

FIGS. 2A-2C further show an annular elastic buffer 19 comprising anelastomer, which surrounds the peripheral elements 17 substantially overthe full periphery. The buffer can be rounded in the transition betweenthe axial end and the peripheral surface and serves on the one hand asan angular abutment for limiting the minimum direction-changing radiusof the loop 13 (downward in FIG. 1B) and on the other hand for dampingradial shocks, for example when impacting against theinstallation/machine or in transport.

Each buffer 19 is in the form of an open ring with a gap for mounting onthe outer part 15B and is closed with the securing screw 29. In theexample shown here the buffer 19 does not project axially beyond theperipheral elements 17 but is axially flush with the axial end of theperipheral elements 17, but a projecting configuration is also possible.For axial securing purposes the buffers 19 engage radially into aperipheral holding groove or receiving means at the outside of theperipheral elements 17. It is however also possible to fit peripherallyclosed buffers 19 (without a gap) in place with a tight fit like a wheeltyre, for example to additionally secure the peripheral elements 17. Theelastic shock-absorbing buffers 19 can be solid bodies or, depending onthe structural size involved for saving weight, they can be in the formof hollow bodies.

FIG. 3 shows a second embodiment of a guide body 34 for a line routingapparatus 10. The guide body 34 differs from that shown in FIGS. 2A-2Bin particular in that it does not have any pronounced joint regions 26A,26B. The guide body 34 is intended for mounting in a row on the carryingcable 11 with an axial spacing between adjacent guide bodies 34. In theguide body 34 shown in FIG. 3 there are mutually opposite trumpet-shapedmirror image-symmetrical mouth regions 36. The mouth regions 36 enlargeradially outwardly or widen in order to reduce frictional wear with thecarrying cable 11 when assuming an angled position. Thus, if required itis also possible to achieve a still smaller radius for the loop 13 (FIG.1B). Otherwise the same references in FIG. 3 denote the same parts as inFIGS. 2A-2C. A greater enlargement of the through opening 16 however canalso be provided in FIGS. 2A-2C.

FIG. 4 shows an example of use for the line routing apparatus 10 shownin FIGS. 1-3 in a derrick 1. In this case the line routing apparatus 10can serve as a replacement for the conventional service loop 6 whichsupplies the top drive 3.

FIGS. 5A-5B show a variant of FIGS. 2A-2C with guide bodies 54. Onedifference is that the carrying arms have material thickenings 52C, 52Dfor protecting the lines at both bars 52A, 52B in the region around theclamping screw 25. In addition, the bar 52A at which the rotary joint 53is provided for pivoting the peripheral elements 57 open forms furthermaterial thickenings 52E, 52F for protecting the lines in relation tothe rotary joints 53 and for mechanically reinforcing the joints 53. InFIGS. 5A-5B hinge pins are provided at the peripheral elements 57 andare mounted pivotably to the bar 52A. The guide bodies are identical toFIGS. 2A-2C in other essential features. As in FIGS. 2A-2C in particularthe central part and also the outer part can be made at leastpredominantly from plastic injection mouldings.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a short length portion of an alternativeembodiment in which the carrying strand 11 (see FIG. 1A) is not in theform of a carrying cable but is in the form of a link chain. For thatpurpose the individual guide bodies 64 respectively have in axiallyopposite relationship two holding eyes 63 with which they can be linkedin the longitudinal direction by means of intermediate members 62, forexample of the structure of typical chain links of a round link chain,and can be deflected relative to each other. The central parts 65A inFIG. 6 are thus load-bearing integral component parts of the chain-likecarrying strand. In this case each central part 65A of each guide body64 also has two diametrally opposite carrying arms 60A, 60B to which theouter part 65B is fixed. A further difference in relation to FIGS. 2A-2Cand FIGS. 5A-5B is that the outer part 65B here has two fixed,non-releasable peripheral elements 67A in the shape of a circular arc,which are produced for example in one piece with the carrying arms 60A,60B. Two releasable peripheral elements 67B in the shape of a circulararc are removably fixed to the non-releasable peripheral elements 67A ofthe outer part 65B, for example by a screw connection, as is shown in anexploded view in FIG. 6 in relation to the upper guide body 64.

FIG. 7 is a partial perspective view of a longitudinal portion of afurther alternative embodiment in which the carrying strand is in theform of a carrying cable 71. Block-like carrying bodies 72 arestationarily fitted to the carrying cable 71 at regular intervals. Thecarrying bodies 72 can be pressed in position and/or fixed to thecarrying cable in the longitudinal direction by adhesive. That structurepermis a positively locking connection for the central parts 75A, forsecuring in position on the carrying cable 71. For that purpose thecentral parts 75A in FIG. 7 each have receiving means 77 which arerespectively formed on the carrying arms 76A, 76B and which are suitablydesigned for positively locking engagement with the carrying bodies 72.The receiving means 77 are fitted similarly to holding means inpositively locking relationship mon the carrying bodies 72 and arefixedly connected together, for example by screwing. The outer parts(not shown in FIG. 7 for the sake of simplicity of the drawing) can inthis case be of a structure corresponding to FIGS. 5A-5B or also FIG. 6.In the example in FIG. 7 the central parts 75A, in particular thecarrying arms 76A, 76B and the receiving means, can also be produced inone piece from plastic in the form of injection mouldings.

FIGS. 8 and 9 show a connecting device 80, with which the end regions11A, 11B of the carrying cable 11 (FIG. 1) can be releasably fixed tothe connecting points of the installation. The connecting device 80 inFIG. 8 includes a main body, for example produced by cutting machine inthe form of a metal component, with a cable sleeve in the lower region,which includes a coaxial receiving means 83 in which the respective endregion 11A, 11B of the carrying cable 11 (FIG. 1) is received and fixedin tension-resistant fashion by pressing and/or casting with a castingmaterial (adhesive joint). Provided at the opposite end is a threadedprojection 84 with a male or female thread, to which preferably ashackle, a load eye, a load hook or the like (not shown) is screwed topermit easy assembly/disassembly. In addition the connecting device 80includes at least two oppositely disposed radial holding arms 85A, 85Bhaving transverse bores 86 for fixing a respective individual line 93directly to the connecting device 80 and thus also to the carrying cable11. By virtue of the bores 86 meshed cable supporting grips 90 (FIG. 9)can be suspended in tensile strain-relieved relationship with aloop/thimble 92 by means of shackles on the holding arms 85A, 85B.

LIST OF REFERENCES FIGS. 1A-1B

-   10 line routing apparatus-   11 carrying cable (carrying strand)-   11A, 11B end region (carrying strand)-   12A, 12B hanging length portion-   12C, 12D ends (line routing apparatus)-   13 loop-   14 guide body-   M moveable machine part-   F stationary machine part

FIGS. 2A-2B

-   14 guide body-   15A central part (of the guide body)-   15B outer part (of the guide body)-   16 through opening-   17 peripheral element-   18 fixing device-   19 buffer-   20A, 20B carrying arm (on the central part)-   21A, 21B clamping shell (on the central part)-   22A, 22B bar (on the central part)-   23 rotary joint (between peripheral element and carrying arm)-   24 hinge joint (on clamping shells)-   25 clamping screw-   26A, 26B hinge regions (on the central part 15A)-   27A joint head-   27B joint socket-   28 clamping tooth arrangement-   29 securing screw-   A central axis-   L receiving region

FIG. 3

-   34 guide body-   15A central part (of the guide body)-   15B outer part (of the guide body)-   17 peripheral element-   19 buffer-   21A, 21B clamping shell (on the central part)-   36 mouth region (on the central part 15A)    FIG. 4 (state of the art)-   1 derrick-   2 lifting apparatus-   3 top drive-   5 lines-   6 service loop (state of the art)

FIGS. 5A-5B

-   19 buffer-   25 clamping screw-   29 securing screw-   52A, 52B bar (on the central part)-   52C, 52D; 52E, 52F (material thickening)-   53 rotary joint (between peripheral element and carrying arm)-   54 guide body-   57 peripheral element

FIG. 6

-   60A, 60B carrying arm (on the central part)-   62 intermediate member-   63 holding eye-   64 guide body-   65A central part (of the guide body)-   65B outer part (of the guide body)-   66 through opening-   67A peripheral element (fixed)-   67B peripheral element (releasable)-   69 buffer

FIG. 7

-   40 carrying cable-   72 carrying body-   75A central parts-   76A, 76B carrying arm (on the central part)-   77 receiving means

FIG. 8

-   80 connecting device-   82 cable sleeve-   83 receiving means-   84 threaded projection-   85A, 85B holding arms-   86 transverse bores

FIG. 9

-   90 meshed cable supporting grips-   92 loop/thimble-   93 line (cable)

What is claimed is: 1-20. (canceled)
 21. A line routing apparatus toguide at least one line for hanging applications, comprising: a flexiblecarrying strand which has tensile strength and which extends over alength of the line routing apparatus; a plurality of guide bodiesarranged in succession in a longitudinal direction of the carryingstrand; wherein adjacent guide bodies of the plurality of guide bodiesare spatially deflectable relative to each other; wherein each guidebody of the plurality of guide bodies has a central part having acentral axis extending coaxially relative to the carrying strand and anouter part having at least one peripheral element, wherein theperipheral element outwardly delimits a receiving region open in anaxial direction for the at least one line and is held to the centralpart; wherein, in each guide body, the outer part is openable; whereinat least some guide bodies of the plurality of guide bodies, at theircentral part, have a respective fixing device to fix the central part tothe carrying strand; and wherein the central part has two axiallyprojecting mutually opposite joint regions, wherein the joint regionsare of conjugate configuration, wherein one joint region of one of theguide bodies is releasably introducable in the axial direction into aconjugate joint region of another guide body of the guide bodies, andwherein a joint connection of successive guide bodies is axiallyreleasable and loose in the axial direction; or wherein, provided as thefixing device, is a screw clamping device with a clamping screw, whereinthe guide bodies are fixed to the carrying strand in axially mutuallyspaced force-locking relationship by their fixing device and the centralpart has no conjugate mutually opposite joint regions.
 22. The linerouting apparatus according to claim 21, wherein the peripheral elementof at least one guide body is connected releasably, moveably and/orpivotably to the central part of the at least one guide body.
 23. Theline routing apparatus according to claim 21, wherein the central parthas an axial through opening through which the carrying strand extends;and/or wherein the fixing device is a clamping device and/or a lockingdevice which, to fix the central part to the carrying strand, fixes thecentral part in a force-locking relationship with an inside surface ofa/the axial through opening of the central part to the carrying strand.24. The line routing apparatus according to claim 21, wherein the fixingdevice comprises at least one of: a clamping device in a form of a jointclamping shell having a hinge-like joint which connects two shell-shapedregions which are braceable against the carrying strand; a release clampwhich at least partially reduces a free diameter of an axial throughopening of the central part; or a latching clamp which at leastpartially reduces a free diameter of an axial through opening of thecentral part.
 25. The line routing apparatus according to claim 21wherein the carrying strand has carrying bodies which are mountedstationarily in the longitudinal direction of the carrying strand, andto which the central parts are fixed in a positively lockingrelationship by the respective fixing device.
 26. The line routingapparatus according to claim 21, wherein the outer part of each guidebody has two peripheral elements which are respectively connected to thecentral part pivotably by a rotary joint operable to insert the at leastone line into the receiving region or remove the at least one line fromthe receiving region, wherein the two peripheral elements are each in ashape of a half ring and/or are each in a form of identical parts. 27.The line routing apparatus according to claim 21, wherein at least someof the guide bodies have an elastic buffer to damp radial shock on anoutside of their peripheral element.
 28. The line routing apparatusaccording to claim 27, wherein at least one elastic buffer comprises atleast one of: formed of an elastomer; a ring shape or a toroidalconfiguration; or surrounds at least one peripheral element over a fullperiphery.
 29. The line routing apparatus according to claim 27 whereinall the guide bodies have an elastic buffer on an outside of theirperipheral element; and wherein each buffer of the buffers projectsaxially with relative to the respective peripheral element and/or eachbuffer of the buffers is axially flush therewith so that the buffers ofadjacent guide bodies limit a maximum angle of a spatial deflection ofthe guide bodies relative to each other as abutments.
 30. The linerouting apparatus according to claim 21, wherein the carrying strand hasa first end and a second end; and wherein each of the first end and thesecond end has a connecting device to releasably fix the line routingapparatus.
 31. The line routing apparatus according to claim 30, whereineach connecting device has at least two oppositely disposed holding armsfixed to the connecting device for tensile strain relief of the at leastone line.
 32. The line routing apparatus according to claim 21, whereinthe joint regions form a ball joint configuration connection for spatialdeflection of the adjacent guide bodies.
 33. The line routing apparatusaccording to claim 21, wherein the central part has an axial throughopening through which the carrying strand extends; and wherein the axialthrough opening has mutually opposite mouth regions which enlargeradially outwardly.
 34. The line routing apparatus according to claim21, wherein the central part of each guide body includes two one-piececarrying arms which respectively have an inner clamping shell and aradial bar; and wherein the inner clamping shells are connectable toform a through opening for the carrying strand; and wherein the radialbar has an outer end region to which the outer part is connected. 35.The line routing apparatus according to claim 23, wherein the centralpart has an axial through opening through which the carrying strandextends; and wherein the through opening has a clamping tootharrangement extending transversely relative to the central axis foraxial securing to the carrying strand and/or the carrying strand is in aform of a carrying cable of plastic and/or has a length of at least 5 m.36. The line routing apparatus according to claim 21, wherein the linerouting apparatus has a first vertically downwardly hanging lengthportion having a first end connected to a consumer to be supplied, asecond vertically downwardly hanging length portion having a second end,and a loop connecting the first and second vertically downwardly hanginglength portions and the carrying strand is extended beyond both ends.37. A guide body of a line routing apparatus to guide at least one linefor hanging applications, comprising: a central part having a centralaxis and an axial through opening through which a carrying strand ispassable; and an outer part having at least one peripheral element,wherein the peripheral element outwardly delimits a receiving regionopen in an axial direction for the at least one line and is held to thecentral part; wherein the central part is a fixing device tostationarily fix the central part to the carrying strand, wherein thecarrying strand is in a form of a carrying cable; wherein the centralpart as the fixing device has a clamping device and/or a locking deviceto fix the central part to the carrying cable in a force-lockingrelationship with an inside surface of the through opening to a carryingcable; and wherein the central part has two axially projecting mutuallyopposite joint regions, wherein the joint regions are of conjugateconfiguration, wherein one joint region is releasably introducable inthe axial direction into a conjugate joint region of another guide body;or the central part has no conjugate mutually opposite joint regions,wherein the fixing device is a screw clamping device with a clampingscrew.
 38. A guide body according to claim 37, further comprising abuffer on an outside of the peripheral element has an elastic buffer todamp radial shock.
 39. The line routing apparatus according to claim 21,wherein the line routing apparatus is disposed on a drilling rig. 40.The line routing apparatus according to claim 39, wherein the linerouting apparatus supplies a vertically travelling top drive of adrilling rig.
 41. The line routing apparatus according to claim 39,wherein the line routing apparatus comprises two vertically downwardlyhanging length portions connected by a loop.
 42. A line routingapparatus to guide a plurality of lines for hanging applications,comprising: a flexible carrying strand which has tensile strength andwhich extends over a length of the line routing apparatus; a pluralityof guide bodies arranged in succession in a longitudinal direction ofthe carrying strand; wherein adjacent guide bodies of the plurality ofguide bodies are spatially deflectable relative to each other; whereineach guide body of the plurality of guide bodies has a central parthaving a central axis extending coaxially relative to the carryingstrand and an outer part having at least one peripheral element, whereinthe peripheral element outwardly delimits a receiving region open in anaxial direction for the lines and is held to the central part; wherein,in each guide body, the outer part is openable; wherein at least someguide bodies of the plurality of guide bodies, at their central part,have a respective fixing device to fix the central part to the carryingstrand; and wherein the carrying strand is in a form of a link chain andthe guide bodies are fixed to the carrying strand in axially mutuallyspaced relationship, wherein two successive central parts arerespectively spatially deflectably connected by one or more chain linksof the carrying strand.
 43. The line routing apparatus according toclaim 42 wherein each central part forms a chain link, wherein the twosuccessive central parts are respectively spatially deflectablyconnected by at least one intermediate member.